Weekly Reflections

St. Margaret’s is experiencing exciting changes again this summer! Alongside the warm welcome of Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, who now worships with us on Saturdays, we’ve made our space more inclusive by removing the front pew to accommodate those with walkers or wheelchairs. With updates like these—and the return of Poor Man’s Gambit this fall—our church continues to grow as a vibrant and welcoming community.

The world has always been marked by war and violence, but Christians are called to actively pursue peace and justice through actions like volunteering, donating, activism, and prayer. Despite acknowledging the sorrow and pain, it’s crucial to consciously choose joy amidst darkness by recognizing the beauty around and within us, and by embracing the happiness that Jesus’ presence offers. Ultimately, the pursuit of joy is a choice that helps in navigating a difficult world.

On June 3, St. Margaret’s held the funeral of beloved parishioner Jane Norelli, who was just weeks away from her 100th birthday. Jane was known for her long-standing presence at the church, her love of food (though not cooking!), her organizational talents, and her lifelong love of hats. Her memory and contributions to parish life brought forth joyful and touching stories that continue to remind us of the deep history and community spirit of St. Margaret’s.

Also, don’t miss the Bach at Noon concert series resuming on June 10 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Allentown—featuring Carissimi’s Jephtha, a moving musical retelling of a biblical tragedy.

The Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley is in urgent need of dry dog and cat food (under 20 lbs). Please bring donations to church on Sunday, June 8, or give online via AFBLV’s website. For Chewy or online donations, email LynneV.StM@gmail.com with details so they can be counted—your support makes a big difference for pets and their people!

As we close the Easter season, we joyfully prepare for Pentecost and Trinity Sunday—so don your red on June 8 as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit That day, we’ll also bless donations for Groceries Plus and the Animal Food Bank—vital support in a time of growing need. If you’re able, please consider giving generously to help those in our community and their beloved pets.

You are warmly invited to a Memorial Service Honoring Those Interred in St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. This special gathering will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, immediately following the 9 o’clock service. We will come together in remembrance, prayer, and gratitude for the lives of those laid to rest in our sacred garden.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced that The Episcopal Church will end its participation in the U.S. government’s refugee resettlement program due to the administration’s decision to prioritize white Afrikaners from South Africa over other vulnerable groups. While this marks the end of a decades-long federal partnership, the Church remains committed to supporting migrants and refugees through diocesan ministries, global partnerships, and privately funded initiatives. Mother Laura affirms the painful but righteous nature of this decision and encourages continued prayer and support.

Mother Laura encourages prayer for our nation and its leaders, reminding us that Scripture calls us to lift up those in authority—whether we like them or not. Citing 1 Timothy and Jeremiah, she emphasizes that praying by name for political leaders is both our duty and a powerful spiritual act. Alongside civic actions like voting, daily prayer is a meaningful way to seek peace, justice, and wise leadership.

This message celebrates the ongoing joy of Easter while acknowledging the challenges facing our country and inviting the community to join in daily prayer for national unity and justice. It also shares exciting news that St. Margaret’s Church will be welcoming a Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist congregation, Luz de Esperanza, to use their space on Saturdays for worship and fellowship. This partnership reflects the church’s mission to welcome all and grow in community.

Storytelling, as scholar Michael Jackson suggests, is a powerful tool for reclaiming agency during difficult times. When we place ourselves into Bible stories—like the woman reaching out to Jesus for healing—we shift from passive suffering to active hope, drawing strength from God’s presence. This ancient practice of engaging Scripture through imagination not only deepens spiritual connection but also empowers us emotionally and mentally in our real-life struggles.